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A Llanelli woman who battled coronavirus was met with cheers and claps whilst leaving the hospital after recovering from the virus.

The family of 52-year-old Sarah Thomas, who has Down's syndrome, said that at one point she was so unwell that she was put on oxygen and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to help her breathe. At one point they feared the worst and thought that they were going to lose her.

It has been suggested that although there seems to be no positive correlation between coronavirus and Down's syndrome, people who live with the condition are likely to have underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of the virus and complications.

Sarah with her mum Dianne, dad Rowland and sister Sian

Sarah had been diagnosed with the virus after staff at her supported living accommodation in Llangennech noticed that she was showing symptoms such as a dry, repetitive cough and a sore throat.

She self-isolated for seven days while staff at her accommodation reassured her and talked to her about the risk of infection.

But after her symptoms got worse, she was admitted to Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and was said to be "upbeat and positive" and smiling even while wearing a mask.

She got to Facetime her family whilst in the hospital

Sarah’s sister Sian who works in the hospital said: “She was so unwell that on the Friday afternoon I honestly thought I was going to lose her. But thanks to the doctors and nurses literally putting their lives on the line for my sisters and others, she’s holding her own there.

“She's a fighter and she is strong, Sarah has an amazing quality of life, she's self caring, lives independently and is always enjoying. She is the happiest, most beautiful person I know.”

The family have expressed their gratitude to Professor Keir Lewis and all the staff at Prince Philip Hospital and Sarah’s accommodation.

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Her mum Dianne echoed this gratitude to staff at the accommodation saying: “Thanks to them I still have my daughter as things could have been very different. They took her temperature daily. If she had been in a flat in the community she probably wouldn’t have survived.”

Sarah's thankfully recovered and was allowed to return home after around 10 days in the hospital.

Upon Sarah’s arrival, staff at her home in Llangennech and other occupants greeted her with cheers, signs and claps and now say that she is focused on recovering and continuing to live independently.

James Wadlow, Director of Care at Pobl - which provides care and support to help people live independently - said: “I am so very proud working within the care sector and more so of our amazing colleagues.

"Sarah’s relief and joy was shared by everyone, not least by those who have supported and built strong relationships with her over many years, but also across our services at Pobl Care and Support."